WS Game 2: Schill v. U-Ball

Well, that wasn't really much to write home about last night. Why is it that the World Series has started to resemble many Super Bowls, with one of the game's best teams playing the worst possible ball? Last year Detroit was awful, the year before that Houston failed to show up, and the year before that St. Louis bumbled their way to a four-game loss.

And now the Rocks stand on the cusp of delivering yet another horrible losing performance by the losing team in the Fall Classic. All hope is not lost, of course, for the hometown nine. There's a game to play tonight against a feeble old pitcher. So you're sayin' there's a chance. Here is My Guide To Beating My Red Sox...

Throw strikes. Yeah, sounds simple, but Jeff Francis fell into the trap that most pitchers do against the Boston lineup. They're so dangerous that everyone gets a case of the nibbles. You either walk a full compliment of baserunners or lob BP fastballs to hot sticks. Ubaldo Jimenez is in possession of Josh-Beckett-level filth, but he needs to command it to slow down the Red Sox attack. Remember how good Sabathia and Carmona were this year, and how shitty they pitched when they didn't throw strikes against Theo's lineup.

Hit strikes. Schilling can't bring it at 95 any more, but he's still one of the best in the game at limiting walks. If his breaking pitches are off a little he's very hittable, because he constantly pounds the strike zone with fastballs. The Rockies need to capitalize.

Obtain the tacos. Once the Rocks get on base, they need to start running. Schill does not have a good move, and what the fuck do you have to lose. Also, feel free to bunt and make the old man field his position, hit and run, suicide, hook and ladder, etc.

Get the game to the bullpens. Last night was not indicative of the weapon the Rocks have in relief. If they can take a lead or a tie to the sixth, seventh and eighth, they can hang on with their bridge to Corpas.

But, whatever, we'll see what happens. Go Sox!